PRO-ACTIVE
Research type
Research Study
Full title
PROstate cancer AI-based aCTIve surveillance Validation Evidence study (PRO-ACTIVE)
IRAS ID
353158
Contact name
Tristan Barrett
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK. Patients who have been diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer often do not require treatment and are monitored for signs of progression through a process termed active surveillance which typically consists of regular blood tests (PSA) and MRI scans. MRI is used to assess for any changes which may indicate the need for a repeat biopsy. Specially developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) based computer software can be used to examine and compare scans and may give quicker and better results.
Lucida Medical has developed AI software which has already been evaluated in its ability to analyse MRI scans for prostate cancer. The AI system has demonstrated its ability to support prostate cancer detection and could help more accurate and quicker assessment. The software has also been trained on serial MRI scans for prostate cancer patients with low-risk disease on active surveillance; this study will aim to validate these findings.
This should help patients who are on active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer both detect early signs of progression and avoid unnecessary biopsies (and related complications), when there are no significant changes on their MRI scan. This could help to reduce the burden on the NHS and give patients confidence that early changes suggesting progression will be detected.
The records of up to 300 patients who are on active surveillance are needed to check the performance of the AI-based software. All scans will be de-identified so that the information analysed in the study cannot be used to identify any individual patients. As the study looks back at the care that has already been given, it will not affect anyone’s individual care. The information will be used to test how well the software works to find patients whose prostate cancer has progressed.REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0586
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion